Northeast monsoon arrives in South India: IMD

With the gradual retreat of the Southwest monsoon from northern and central parts of the country, the India Meteorological Department has predicted the arrival of the northeast monsoon on October 17. The weather agency said that rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected over parts of south peninsular India during the next three to four days.

Chennai: The northeast monsoon which was expected to reach the southern states on October 17, arrived a day earlier said S. Balachandran, the South Zone Head of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Isolated places in Tamil Nadu, Southern Andhra and Karnataka are likely to receive rains in the next few days as easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal are blowing across the south Indian states.

"From October 14 onwards, winds have started blowing in the southern-eastern parts and is progressively strengthening over the region. It has covered most of the parts of the southern-eastern peninsular region," he sais while speaking to a news agency.

"North-east monsoon has commenced over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, southern Andhra and Karnataka region," he added.

"Most coastal districts will receive moderate rainfall such as Chennai and its nearby region for the next two days (October 17 and October 18)," he further said.

The fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas for the next two days.